More charges laid against Tamworth trainer

A court in Tamworth has heard another six corruption charges have been laid against a Tamworth harness-racing trainer as part of an organised crime investigation into regional horse racing.

In Tamworth Local Court, Magistrate Roger Prowse was told another six corruption charges have been laid against Robert James Clement, 47, from Bendemeer.

Two weeks ago the trainer was charged with corruption influencing the outcome of April's $40,000 Tamworth Cup, and corruption influencing the betting on that event.

The new charges relate to five harness-racing events at racetracks in Tamworth and Muswellbrook, in the Hunter Valley, between December last year and April this year.

The events include Race 4 in Tamworth on December 28; Race 7 in Tamworth on January 3; Race 7 in Tamworth on January 20; Race 1 in Tamworth on April 17; and Race 7 in Muswellbrook on April 21.

It's alleged Mr Clement, and other persons, agreed to drive pacers in a particular manner in the five races in question.

The court also heard a large number of telephone intercepts have been gathered by Strike Force Trentbridge detectives.

Also appearing was trainer Cody Glenn Morgan, 27, from Attunga who is charged with corruption influencing the outcome of an event and corruption influencing the betting on that event.

Mr Morgan's solicitor, Paul O'Sullivan, told the court his client's bail conditions prevent him from going within 250 metres of a racetrack, or from training any horses.

He asked Magistrate Prowse to lift those conditions because Cody Morgan still holds a trainers' licence and his sole occupation is training horses and he has horses in North Queensland that require preparation.

Mr O'Sullivan argued his client had not breached any rule of racing, that stewards had not taken any action against Mr Morgan and that Mr Morgan had been paid his trainers’ winnings from the Tamworth Cup and, to date, those winnings had not been withdrawn or rescinded.

Magistrate Prowse said he would hear a bail application on the matter on May 29.

Both matters were adjourned to Tamworth Local Court on July 10 and the Prosecution asked the Magistrate to refer the charges against Robert Clement and Cody Morgan to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Meantime, the Casino and Racing Investigation Squad says more people are being interviewed as part of its investigation into organised crime in regional horse racing.

Detective Inspector Wayne Walpole says the investigation has broadened to include Armidale and Port Macquarie.

He says investigators have received tip-offs and are following new lines of inquiry.

"Yes, currently, we've got a team of detectives up here at the moment and they'll be talking to approximately 10 or 11 people in the regional areas throughout Tamworth, Armidale, Port Macquarie over the next couple of days," he said.

"As information comes to hand our investigators will look at it, examine it and take the appropriate action where necessary."